KEY POINTS:
In what could be described only as a very mediocre and undistinguished rugby league career for the Ellerslie Eagles from 1953 to 1969, there was the odd moment of glory. I found myself the weak link in a very fine side that was undefeated between 1962 and 1966.
Everybody else had a finely tuned level of flash and dash and scored tries with consummate ease. The halfback and captain, Wayne Woods, was my salvation. He had a habit of breaking the line, running the length of the field and unselfishly unloading the ball at the last second to anyone who bothered to keep up with him. Guess who suddenly found a bit of pace?
Woods would do all the hard bits, I'd shimmy alongside for the final pass, the try, and the applause. I've never forgotten Woods. He was one to follow.
In these rough and tumble economic times - when the purchase of wine is often seen as a luxury and not a necessity it's good to find a guide such as Woods. Get alongside the genius is in the pack and you'll never be disappointed. With a diminishing discretionary dollar, wine may still make it into the trundler but selection may be all about price. Cheap rules. It doesn't even have to be cheerful. It's what we think we can afford, not what we'd prefer to put on the table.
The trick, then, is to work out where to get genuine value for whatever you're prepared to spend. As I am wont to say, it's better to drink less but drink better.
In other words, follow the leader. All you have to do is work out who the leaders are. Over numerous years and after too many wine purchasing disasters, I have a small coterie of utterly reliable producers whose wines are not only consistently well made but reflect genuine value for money.
Sorry, they're not at the bargain basement end of the spectrum but nor are they exorbitant and all have a reasonable portfolio of wine styles - they're not just one-trick ponies.
Keep an eye, then, on Hunters, Lawsons Dry Hills, Seifried, Millton, Delegats and Villa Maria. There are others, of course, including some newish kids on the block. They'll keep for another time.
Recommended
2008 Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon with all the usual Marlborough characteristics - passionfruit, lemongrass, cut herbs, red capsicum and zesty lime.
Price: $22
2007 Hunter's Pinot Noir
Veteran Marlborough produced under the guiding hand of Mother Superior, Jane Hunter. Hard to find quality pinot under $30. Smooth, medium bodied with nice touch of spicy oak.
Price: $28
